Services

Confident Blues up for Rec test

CHRIS Wilson has urged the Blues to play to their strengths at Magna Road tomorrow.

The Portland United boss has been over the moon with his side’s recent performances but is fully aware of the threat Hamworthy Recreation (2pm) will pose this weekend.

Wilson told Echosport: “They had some up and down results at the start of the season but we are certainly not reading anything into that because they have levelled off recently and are beginning to pick up again.

“They are always going to be a top-six side at the end of the day, and when you go there you know you are going to be in for a tough one.

“I watched them against Weymouth Reserves a few weeks ago and although it was difficult to get a real sense of exactly where they are, it did enable me to find out a little bit more about some of their players.

“Just recently we have playing some terrific stuff and there is no doubt we will go their full of confidence. And as long as our commitment, application and concentration are all spot on, and we play to our own strengths, then I am sure we will come away with a good result.

“The players have been delivering on all those fronts and it is their responsibility, as well as ours, to make sure we try and keep that going.”

Lewis Whyton is unavailable and Scott Henley is a doubt with a hamstring injury while Andy Harris should return. Portland currently trail second-placed Hamworthy Recreation on goal difference but hold four games in hand.

Chickerell United boss Maurice Welch is also expecting his side to face a tough examination at Cranborne (2pm).

The Chickens returned to winning ways last Saturday with a 6-1 demolition of Merley Cobham Sports but with the Cranes having won four of their last five at home in the league, a hard-fought contest is anticipated.

Welch said: “Cranborne will be a bit stronger than Merley and a bit better too so we will go there under no illusions.

“They have already beaten the likes of Hamworthy Recreation and Weymouth Reserves this season and I am expecting a really tough game.

“Tom Peck and Dan Welch should both be back with us, which is a boost, but Aston Butcher will miss out due to his commitments with Dorchester Town.

“It’s really important we try and get some momentum going again ahead of some tough fixtures coming up.”

Weymouth Reserves are hoping to have a new face in their ranks for their trip to Shaftesbury Town (2pm).

The Terras saw their five-game unbeaten run come to an end last weekend and joint-boss Jake Richmond is keen to bounce back at the first attempt.

He said: “It is not the best of pitches up at Shaftesbury. There is a bit of a slope and we will have to make sure we try and use that to our advantage.

“First and foremost we will do what we always try and do, and that is set ourselves up so we are hard to beat.

“If we can do that and get the right reaction from the players then we will stand every chance.”

Sanchez Baker is set to return and there could also be a debutant in the ranks.

Richmond added: “I am hoping to bring over Brandon Hill from Kangaroos. I have been after him for a while and I see a lot of potential in him.”

There is also the possibility that the Terras could lose a couple of players to first-team duty.

The Bees are currently unbeaten in seven in all competitions and will fancy their chances of increasing that streak against a North Dorset outfit that currently lies third bottom with just 10 points from 13 games.

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